Born on September 21, 1934, Benny (as he was often called) was the eldest son of the late Peter A. and Alice J. Mullins. For the first 3 years of his life they lived on the family farm in Bateston. The family then moved to Main-a-Dieu, where his father was entrepreneurial in creating Peter A. Mullins Limited, General Provision Merchant and Fish Wholesaler.
From the time he could walk, dad was put to work, from milking the cows, to dispensing flour, sugar and molasses. By the time he reached his teens, he was working in the office, behind the scenes, but under the tutelage of his father.
He enjoyed hunting and playing hockey during those youthful years and was fortunate enough to attend Sydney Academy High School for a year before he contracted Scarlet Fever, which left him wheelchair bound for a year.
On September 21, 1965 he married Joyce Eileen MacLennan at Saint Anne’s Church, Glace Bay. He often said how lucky he was to have found such a good woman. Together they raised 4 children and welcomed 9 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild and there is another on the way.
Sadly on June 17, 1972, dad’s father passed away at the age of 65. Overcoming shock and devastation, he assumed a fatherly role for his 8 younger siblings and he assumed a senior role in the proprietorship of the business with brothers PJ and Ed.
Ben’s faith in God was unwaivering thoughout his life. There was never a meal served without a blessing or a night time without prayers. It was rare that he missed a weekend mass.
He and Joyce were fortunate to have spent several months in Florida during the winter, especially following their retirement in 2000.
Dad’s business and personal acquaintances were many, especially during the years he sold lobster to the public. He also sold wholesale to various Maritime companies and exported his product directly to Boston and the States.
Family meant everything to Ben. The business was a family business, with his brothers sharing responsibility. As the rural economic landscape changed, dad and his brothers acquired a property in Albert Bridge / Mira and developed it into a going concern. Today, it is known as Mullins Rite Stop. One of their most popular products is Homemade Bread, based on his mother’s recipe.
Our dad was a gentleman, slow to anger and generous to a fault. His greatest joy came in the company of his grandchildren. Grampy always got a hug and a kiss. Prior to the pandemic, he also enjoyed playing cards at the Casino, where he made many new friends.
Besides his parents, Ben was predeceased by a brother William Leo in infancy as well as his wife Joyce who passed away on March 2, 2020. Her loss left him inconsolable. They are together again at last, as it should be.
He is survived by his siblings, Sr. Audrey, Noreen (late Gordon Matheson), Peter Joseph (Loretta), Ed (Doreen), Olive (Dmitri Pojidaeff), Jim (Neila), Mary and Paul (Francis). He is also survived by children Eileen, Benjie, Audrey (Craig MacLeod) and Peter Christopher, grandchildren Michael (Angel), Kaytee (Ryan) and Alex Mullins, Kaleigh (Steven), Payton (Nathan) and Jessica MacLeod and Cody and Adrianna Mullins and great granddaughter Bailey Mullins.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday March 30, 2021 from 2-4 and 6-8 at TW Curry Parkview Chapel, 755 George St., Sydney. Funeral Mass will be at 1pm on Wednesday, Mar. 31 at Immaculate Conception Church, Main a Dieu with Fr. Evo DiPierro officiating. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery, where he will be laid to rest with his wife and parents, overlooking the harbor and sea he loved. Covid restrictions will be followed including a seating limitation of 100 in the church. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.twcurry.com. If desired, donations in Ben’s memory may be made to Immaculate Conception Cemetery Fund.
“May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
